Villagers in Perranwell turn up to fight for Post office

Julia Goldsworthy MP and Liberal Democrat campaigner Terrye Teverson met with Postmistress Yvonne Banyard and around 30 local people at Perranwell Post office on Friday.

Nationally, the Government is planning to close at least 2,500 Post Offices, following in the footsteps of the previous Conservative Government, who closed over 3,500. The proposals for Cornwall are expected to be announced in a few weeks time.

Julia and Terrye have promised to fight against any proposed closures. Terrye Teverson recently organised a March from Carnon Downs to Playing Place Post offices to highlight people's concerns which was supported by 70 local residents.

With fears about this round of closures causing widespread concern, Julia has condemned the Government for adding further uncertainty to the future of the Post Office network by putting the Post Office Card Account (POCA) out to tender. If another organisation such as PayPoint or an International Bank wins the tender, the Post Office Network will lose a vital part of their business, with further closures likely.

Julia addressed concerned local villages and said, "I am expecting some sort of indication of which post offices will close in the next two weeks. If you haven't already filled in a post card against the closures please do. I will use these to show the depth of concern.

"In many rural areas, the local Post Office is the heart of the community. Under consecutive Labour and Conservative Governments we have seen this vital network shrink dramatically - and this latest round of closures is further evidence of this depressing trend. "

Terrye agreed and commented, "I know some people feel that it is just not going to make any difference. But some places have saved their post offices by really fighting for them. I intend to do all I can with your support to keep our villages alive with the post office at its heart. It may be that this Post office stays open for now but there are others under threat and this service is vital to many people in all our Cornish villages. Please get behind the campaign."